As a Thinkific user, it is important to be aware of the time zone settings and how it affects the overall functionality of the platform.
Everybody knows that the default time zone in Thinkific is set to Universal Time (UTC). However, this may not always be the most convenient or efficient setting for course scheduling, coupon expiries, and drip content availability.
That said, there really is not much anyone can do about this. As of now, selecting a different time zone aside from the default UTC is impossible.
As for why this is and possible solutions for the inconvenience, read along and find out.
The Current State of Time Zone in Thinkific
UTC as the Default Time Zone
Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) is the default time zone in Thinkific. This is because the platform has course creators from all over the world, and UTC facilitates easier scheduling for students in different time zones.
Limitations of the Current System
Despite the benefits of using UTC as the default time zone, there are limitations to this system. One such problem is that it may cause confusion for students in different time zones as they try to keep track of coupon expiries and new drip content availability.
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Solutions to the Limitations of the Current System
Despite the limitations, solutions are available to improve the current system regarding time zones in Thinkific. One such example is to let the admin inform students that the times in Thinkific are in UTC so that they can take that into consideration when keeping track of important dates and times.
Another idea is to state and indicate a specific date and time for each corresponding time zone and make it clear and visible somewhere in the product. That way, anyone availing of your product or classes can easily identify when a scheduled class is about to happen.
Note: This section is to highlight the limitations of the current system and what can be done to mitigate them. It is not a solution to the limitations as UTC being the default, is a choice made by Thinkific for all its users and not something that can be changed for a single user/course.
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Arguments for Changing the System
Improved Course Scheduling
Should Thinkific grant the admins and course creators the ability to change and set time zones in their setting, a good benefit would be the improvement of course scheduling.
By being allowed to set the time zone, course creators can schedule their course activities, such as live sessions, assignments, and tests, to occur at a specific time in their respective time zone. This eliminates the confusion and misinterpretation of course schedules that can occur due to differences in time zones between the course creators and the students.
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Better Management of Coupon Expiries and Drip Content
Another benefit of being allowed to set the time zone in Thinkific is the better management of coupon expiries and drip content. Allowing course creators to change and customize the time zones in their Coupons and content will eliminate the confusion and misinterpretation of coupon expiries and drip content brought about by time zone differences.
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Increased User Experience
Finally, being allowed to set the time zone will lead to an increased user experience for both course creators and students.
If the course creator can set their time zone, the platform can accurately display the correct time for all course-related activities, such as live sessions, assignments, and tests.
This leads to a better and more organized user experience and improved accessibility and understanding of course activities for all users.
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Future of Time Zone in Thinkific
It’s important to note that the future of time zones in Thinkific will be shaped by user feedback and the ongoing development of the feature. By gathering user feedback and incorporating it into the development process, Thinkific can see if adding an adjustable time zone feature will meet users’ needs.
In addition to the current development, Thinkific is also exploring potential future enhancements for the time zone feature.
As such, user feedback will be the key for Thinkific users if Thinkific’s developers will find it an important feature that is needed by many of their customers.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Thinkific platform currently operates on the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) time zone as the default setting. As of this time, this is not customizable.
This choice is made for the convenience of course creators who come from different parts of the world.
However, this system has its limitations. One such example is that it can cause confusion for students in different time zones when keeping track of coupon expiries and drip content availability.
While there are DIY solutions that can mitigate these limitations, allowing course creators to change the time zone will still be better for the user experience in the long run.
That said, all is not too late, though, as the future of the time zone feature in Thinkific will depend on user feedback and ongoing development.
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Setting Timezones in Thinkific Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the default time zone in Thinkific?
The default time zone in Thinkific is Universal Time Coordinated (UTC).
Why is UTC the default time zone in Thinkific?
UTC is the default time zone in Thinkific so that the platform can better facilitate users from all around the world.
Is it possible to change the time zone in Thinkific?
As of now, selecting a different time zone aside from the default UTC is impossible.
Will this change in the future?
The future of a customizable and changeable timezone in Thinkific will depend on user feedback. If many users will try to request such a feature, then maybe it will be implemented in the future.